3 Myths About Bunion Surgery

A bunionectomy is a standard procedure to treat bunions. But before deciding whether to undergo this procedure, it is important to learn the facts about bunion surgery so as to distinguish them from the about bunion surgery myths. As you will read below, there are many common misconceptions surrounding bunionectomies.

What Are Bunions?

Bunions are protruding, abnormal bumps at the base of your great toe that are caused by a combination genetic factors and uneven weight distribution during gait that causes abnormal pronation placing uneven weight distribution of the joints, ligaments and tendons controlling motion of the big toe joint. As this happens, it increases the size of the joint near your big toe, creating a large and sometimes very painful protrusion. Abnormal mechanics at the big toe joint cause premature wear and tear of the great toe joint lead to accelerated osteoarthritis to the big toe joint as well as chronic pain and inability to fit into shoes comfortably. When left untreated bunions can lead to complete destruction of the cartilage of the great toe joint and chronic pain.

There are several preventative conservative treatments available that a patient with known familial history of bunions or early onset of bunions can have to prevent bunions from developing or slow or delay its’ onset significantly. These treatments include orthotic arch supports that serve to balance abnormal pathologic pronatory forces.

However, even though bunions can be unsightly or embarrassing, people should only consider surgery if the bunion is painful or affecting your activities of daily living or the ability to wear shoes comfortably and without pain. A bunion is considered painful enough to render surgery when it is interfering with your daily life. If you feel your bunion is at this severity level, it may be time to seek treatment and discuss your options with a foot specialist.

Our foot specialist at the Bunion Surgery Center of Excellence in Los Angeles, Dr. Kamran Jamshidinia, is a board certified physician with over 10 years of experience in bunion surgery. Dr. Jamshidinia can help you determine if a bunionectomy is right for you. Contact the Bunion Surgery Center of Excellence today at (888) 552-9732.

Bunion Surgery Myths

Myth #1: Bunion Surgery Puts You Out of Work Long-Term

Bunionectomies have become very advanced, and many people find they can return to sedentary type office work within one week and only have to miss a few weeks of work at the most for more rigorous type work. For patients that have jobs that require extensive physical activity, downtime is at most 6 weeks during which patient is fully mobile in a walking boot. But there are many things you can do when preparing for bunion surgery to ensure you miss only the minimal amount of work. Discussing options with your employer or employees beforehand can make a tremendous difference, and you may be able to find an alternative means of working such as telecommuting from home or taking on only responsibilities that don’t require standing or walking.

Myth #2: Bunions Always Recur After Surgery

While it’s true that there is the possibility of a bunion returning, it’s not likely. Our Los Angeles podiatrist can help you take preventative measures after surgery, such as wearing the proper footwear and using orthotics. This will work to prevent the bunion from recurring. Also choosing the right type of bunion repair can lead to the best possible outcomes and minimize and risk of recurrence.

Myth #3: Recovery from Bunion Surgery Is Long and Painful

Recovery from any surgery can be somewhat unpleasant, but most bunionectomies are done on an outpatient basis. This means that patients can go home within a few hours of surgery. After returning home, most patients find they are back on their feet almost immediately being able to bear weight on their heal in a protective shoe or boot right after surgery, while other more advanced surgical corrections for severely large bunions can take several weeks in a non weight bearing boot with crutches. Only about 10% of bunions require this level of post-operative restriction. Recovery time is within 6 weeks and depends on the severity of the bunion and physical activity level of the patient. The average surgical patient returns to running type shoes by 4-6 weeks.

Contact a Podiatrist in Los Angeles Today

If you feel your bunion is interfering with your life and the pain is unmanageable, there are many options available – both surgical and non-surgical. At the Bunion Surgery Center of Excellence, one of our foot specialists can determine if surgery is the best course of action, and help you with preparing for bunion surgery in Los Angeles.

Call us at (888) 552-9732 to learn more about treatment options for your bunions or speak to our board-certified podiatrist. You can also fill out our website contact form and a member of our office will be in touch with you shortly.

The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician’s judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions, and/or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DISCLAIMER: Content on this website is not intended to serve as medical advice and should not be construed as such. Please see a medical professional in order to obtain specific advice for your medical conditions.